The state of Oklahoma ranks number 48 in the nation in terms of green jobs. The reason for this, in part, is that Oklahoma still relies on an outdated dirty economy dependent primarily on fossil fuels and the production of high-pollutant products. This leaves a lot of room for improvement which can be reasonably achieved through the implementation of new sustainability-oriented policies. Encourage Oklahoma Governor, Mary Fallin, to move her state in this important direction.

This ranking comes from a new study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), an impartial nonprofit think-tank. The study found that Oklahoma has only 22,411 jobs that can be classified as green according to the standards of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. EPI senior policy analyst and author of the study, Ethan Pollack, said “A dirty economy subsidizes the well-off by taxing the poor and disenfranchised, distorts the market, and short-changes future generations by leaving the world a worse place for them to live.” In contrast, EPI found that green jobs display better resistance to financial hiccups and provide more opportunities for workers lacking college degrees.

A green job is a position in a business that provides services or produces goods that conserve natural resources or protect the environment. Workers’ duties involve streamlining production to prevent unnecessary use of materials to ensure that business processes are more sustainable. Oklahoma, according to the study, currently performs better than only Florida and Nevada from a green jobs standpoint. The top three ranked states by the study are Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Causing a change in Oklahoma’s economy is a considerable task which will require action from top-tier influencers, such as the governor. Applying new policies to encourage creation and implementation of more green jobs throughout the state is a step that can be taken to push Oklahoma towards a more environmentally-friendly future. Sign this petition to encourage Governor Mary Fallin to push for green job legislation.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Governor Fallin,

Oklahoma is currently ranked 48th in the nation by a new study on green jobs in the United States. This study by the nonpartisan Environmental Policy Institute found that there are only 22,411 jobs in Oklahoma that can be classified as green by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The reason for this is that Oklahoma has been found to have a variety of “dirtier” businesses than counterparts elsewhere in the nation.

The state has room for improvement to move towards a more sustainable future. Simple policy changes or additions could easily affect change in the state economy to provide more financially and environmentally friendly jobs in the region. I urge you to push for more legislation on this front not only for the sake of Oklahoma, but to set an example for other states that can do better as well.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Ian Britton via FreeFoto.com

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